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David and Goliath: A Bible Story    by Jean Marzollo Amazon.com order for
David and Goliath
by Jean Marzollo
Order:  USA  Can
Little, Brown & Co., 2004 (2004)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke

Jean Marzollo (both author and illustrator of David and Goliath) has adapted and simplified the Bible story so that children can grasp the meaning and beauty of faith and courage. David lived with his father Jesse, great-grandmother Ruth, and seven older brothers. Loving music and his job as shepherd, David composed his own songs, and sang while playing his harp and tending sheep. Sometimes David sang for Saul, King of the Israelites (a people also known as Hebrews), who lived in the small town of Judah, a part of Bethlehem. David was also skilled with a slingshot.

Three of David's brothers joined King Saul's army to protect the land of Judah from the Philistines. David was sent by his father to bring food to the Israelite camp. Goliath, a giant of a man in the Philistine army, challenged the Hebrews to send one man to fight him. David took the challenge to fight the 'humongous' Goliath. With his sling shot, a smooth stone, and a prayer to God, David felled Goliath . Subsequently David fought many battles for his people, and later became King of the Israelites, still composing and singing songs to God.

To apply more definition to her tale, Marzollo has added a line of sheep across the bottom of the pages. The sheep ask questions such as, 'Is David afraid now? I would be, but then I'm only a little lamb. David's a brave shepherd!' This rendition of David and Goliath is an excellent read for parents and Sunday school teachers to share with children. Additional Marzollo Bible Stories include Daniel In the Lion's Den and Miriam And Her Brother Moses.

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